Concert Review: Duran Duran Touches the Moon from Planet Earth
It was an incredible week of celebrations by proud Americans due to the historic nature of the Apollo 11 mission that on July 16, 1969, took three astronauts — Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin — into space with the overall mission of setting foot on the moon. Those lofty dreams became reality just four days later. On July 20 Armstrong and Aldrin flew their lunar module Eagle and established a historic milestone by landing on the surface of the moon.
On July 16, exactly 50 years after that historic mission, a fittingly full moon cast its shadow over the Kennedy Space Center, the site of the notable launch, as Duran Duran closed out an incredible day of events on the storied space grounds with a headline concert that delivered on the promises made by lead singer Simon Le Bon.
There was a buzz in the crowd ahead of the show, and it was evident that the ’80s pop icons still have a devoted group of fans here. Before taking the stage, a 16-piece orchestra and 12-member choir assumed their positions on the massive stage, prepared to support the long-tenured British band. It wasn’t clear what Duran Duran would sound like; after all, it’s not something your normally see at their concerts. However, one thing was clear: this would be a show for the ages.
Duran Duran was scheduled to take the stage at 10:30 p.m., quite late considering it was a Tuesday night. Those who came early experienced a drone exhibition that left many amazed at the synchronization of these flying machines. As the skies turned to night, the drones looked more like fireflies in the sky. The band exploded onto the stage minutes before 11. They made sure that those who endured the wait on a steamy shirt-soaking Florida summer night were going to get what they came for: the very best from a band that continues to look and sound amazing. The band delivered on its promise of a full-length 90-minute show that featured nearly every hit from the band’s extensive catalog. The concert wrapped up at 12:45 a.m.
Surprisingly, there could have been more fans there. It certainly wasn’t about the band’s popularity. After all they still have the charisma that they did in those early years. Perhaps it was the $300 ticket price, part of which was going to support the Aldrin Foundation. Ultimately an added $99 ticket was offered about a week prior to the show. Perhaps it was a little too late, combined with it being a Tuesday night, that was certainly reflected in the turnout. This was a concert that should have sold out. Simon, Nick, Andy, and John still have the musical prowess to deliver an amazing set that gets people moving and singing from the first note to last.
Simon Le Bon had promised a special setlist. After hearing the first few songs, it was clear why Duran Duran had been chosen to play on this historic date. The band opened with “The Universe Alone,” followed by “Planet Earth/Space Oddity,” “Anyone Out There,” “Astronaut,” and “Ordinary World,” before they transitioned into their crowd-favorite radio hits. Those who were there responded with screams and cheers that Duran Duran has been hearing for well over 30 years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZUvH-7t5VY
The amped-up crowd exploded as the band tore into “Wild Boys” near the middle of the set, and now with the energy flowing at full power, like the grand finale on the 4th of July, Duran Duran continued to pound the crowd with hit after hit, including fan-favorites “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Come Undone,” “Notorious,” “Girls on Film,” and “Rio.” Le Bon has not lost a step; his vocals still reach an ear-satisfying octave considering the band has been touring for well over three decades. Nick Rhodes‘ fingers continue to glide across the keys while bassist John Taylor provides a solid rhythm section, and Roger Taylor still pounding on the drums. Many bands are great studio bands but can never replicate what people fell in love with hearing them on the radio. Duran Duran has been able to maintain their musical fortitude throughout the years, something that defies logic in some regard. These are men who have continued to maintain their image beyond just their music.
As Duran Duran closed out the night with perhaps their biggest hit “Rio”. It was now 12:45 a.m. and with nearly every one of their steadfast fans still standing and still jamming until the very end. Simon Le Bon, put the microphone down and gathered the band to take their final bows, waved to their faithful fans, and left the stage. After all, there was nothing more to do or be said. There certainly couldn’t be anyone in the crowd disappointed. How could they be? It was all left on the stage Tuesday night. What the fans experienced was nothing short of epic on a historic night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMLJvngjjc0
Setlist: The Universe Alone, Planet Earth/Space Oddity, Anyone Out There, Astronaut, Ordinary World, (Reach Up for the) Sunrise, Walking on the Moon (The Police cover), The Wild Boys, Hungry Like the Wolf, Come Undone, Notorious, Pressure Off, White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It)(Grandmaster Melle Mel cover), Girls on Film; Encore: Save a Prayer, A View to a Kill, Rio